Location detection for portable wagering game machines

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods determine a location for a portable wagering game machine. The system may include a plurality of wireless signal sources, including wireless access points or Bluetooth type devices. The wireless signal sources may be arranged in predetermined locations such as a grid. In addition, a database may provide location information for the plurality of wireless signal sources.

RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims the priority benefit of U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 60/804,578 filed Jun. 13, 2006 and entitled“LOCATION DETECTION FOR PORTABLE WAGERING GAME MACHINES”, whichapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

LIMITED COPYRIGHT WAIVER

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material towhich the claim of copyright protection is made. The copyright owner hasno objection to the facsimile reproduction by any person of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office file or records, but reserves all other rightswhatsoever. Copyright© 2006, 2007, WMS Gaming Inc. All Rights Reserved.

FIELD

The embodiments relate generally to portable wagering game machines andmore particularly to detecting location or proximity of portablewagering game machines in gaming environments.

BACKGROUND

Wagering game machines have traditionally been operated as a stand aloneunit, or linked in a network of some type to a group of gaming machines.In general, these traditional wagering game machines are relativelylarge and have not been portable. That is, once placed on a casino floorthe wagering game machine does not move unless it is replaced withanother wagering game machine or if the gaming establishment redesignsthe layout of the casino floor.

However, as technology in the gaming industry progresses, somejurisdictions are moving towards allowing portable gaming machines.Portable wagering game machines are typically small, handheld devicesthat may be taken from place to place. While such portability providesincreased flexibility to gaming establishments and may enhance a user'swagering game experience, several issues are presented regardingportable wagering game machines. A first issue is that jurisdictionstypically restrict wagering games to limited locations within a gamingestablishment. Such restrictions are more difficult to enforce withportable wagering game machines.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a portable wagering game machineaccording to an example embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an architecture, including a controlsystem, for a wagering game machine according to an example embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating software components for a systemof wagering game machines and servers according to an exampleembodiment.

FIGS. 4-6 are block diagrams of example configuration of wireless signalsources in a gaming establishment according to embodiments of theinvention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating methods according to embodiments ofthe invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of theinvention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form apart hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specificexemplary embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. Theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood thatother embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical,electrical and other changes may be made without departing from thescope of the inventive subject matter.

Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow are presented interms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on databits within a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions andrepresentations are the ways used by those skilled in the dataprocessing arts to most effectively convey the substance of their workto others skilled in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally,conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desiredresult. The steps are those requiring physical manipulations of physicalquantities. Usually, though not necessarily, these quantities take theform of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated. It hasproven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, torefer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters,terms, numbers, or the like. It should be borne in mind, however, thatall of these and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriatephysical quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to thesequantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from thefollowing discussions, terms such as “processing” or “computing” or“calculating” or “determining” or “displaying” or the like, refer to theaction and processes of a computer system, or similar computing device,that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (e.g.,electronic) quantities within the computer system's registers andmemories into other data similarly represented as physical quantitieswithin the computer system memories or registers or other suchinformation storage, transmission or display devices.

In the Figures, the same reference number is used throughout to refer toan identical component which appears in multiple Figures. Signals andconnections may be referred to by the same reference number or label,and the actual meaning will be clear from its use in the context of thedescription.

The description of the various embodiments is to be construed asexemplary only and does not describe every possible instance of theinvention. Numerous alternatives could be implemented, usingcombinations of current or future technologies, which would still fallwithin the scope of the claims. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of thepresent invention is defined only by the appended claims.

In general, the embodiments of the invention provide for management ofportable wagering game machines, including determining whether theportable wagering game machine is authenticated and authorized to playwagering games, whether an authenticated and authorized user iscurrently using the portable wagering game machine, and whether theportable wagering game machine is in a location where wagering isallowed, or where a particular style of wagering is allowed.

FIG. 1 shows an example embodiment of a portable wagering game machine(PWGM) 100. The portable wagering game machine 100 can include anysuitable electronic handheld or mobile device configured to play a videocasino game such as blackjack, slots, keno, poker, blackjack, androulette. The wagering game machine 100 comprises a housing 112 andincludes input devices, including a value input device 118 and a playerinput device 124. For output, the wagering game machine 100 includes aprimary display 114, and may include a secondary display 116, one ormore speakers 117, one or more player-accessible ports 119 (e.g., anaudio output jack for headphones, a video headset jack, etc.), and otherconventional I/O devices and ports, which may or may not beplayer-accessible. In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1, the wageringgame machine 100 includes a secondary display 116 that is rotatablerelative to the primary display 114. The optional secondary display 116can be fixed, movable, and/or detachable/attachable relative to theprimary display 114. Either the primary display 114 and/or secondarydisplay 116 can be configured to display any aspect of a non-wageringgame, wagering game, secondary game, bonus game, progressive wageringgame, group game, shared-experience game or event, game event, gameoutcome, scrolling information, text messaging, emails, alerts orannouncements, broadcast information, subscription information, andwagering game machine status.

The player-accessible value input device 118 can comprise, for example,a slot located on the front, side, or top of the casing 112 configuredto receive credit from a stored-value card (e.g., casino card, smartcard, debit card, credit card, etc.) inserted by a player. Theplayer-accessible value input device 118 can also comprise a sensor(e.g., an RF sensor) configured to sense a signal (e.g., an RF signal)output by a transmitter (e.g., an RF transmitter) carried by a player.The player-accessible value input device 118 can also or alternativelyinclude a ticket reader, or barcode scanner, for reading informationstored on a credit-ticket, a card, or other tangible portable credit orfunds storage device. The credit ticket or card can also authorizeaccess to a central account, which can transfer monetary value to thewagering game machine 100.

Still other player-accessible value input devices 118 can require theuse of touch keys 130 on the touch-screen display (e.g., primary display114 and/or secondary display 116) or player input devices 124. Uponentry of player identification information and, preferably, secondaryauthorization information (e.g., a password, PIN number, stored valuecard number, predefined key sequences, etc.), the player can bepermitted to access a player's account. As one potential optionalsecurity feature, the wagering game machine 100 can be configured topermit a player to only access an account the player has specificallyset up for the wagering game machine 100. Other conventional securityfeatures can also be utilized to, for example, prevent unauthorizedaccess to a player's account, to minimize an impact of any unauthorizedaccess to a player's account, or to prevent unauthorized access to anypersonal information or funds temporarily stored on the wagering gamemachine 100.

The player-accessible value input device 118 can itself comprise orutilize a biometric player information reader which permits the playerto access available funds on a player's account, either alone or incombination with another of the aforementioned player-accessible valueinput devices 118. In an embodiment wherein the player-accessible valueinput device 118 comprises a biometric player information reader,transactions such as an input of value to the wagering game machine 110,a transfer of value from one player account or source to an accountassociated with the wagering game machine 100, or the execution ofanother transaction, for example, could all be authorized by a biometricreading, which could comprise a plurality of biometric readings, fromthe biometric device.

Alternatively, to enhance security, a transaction can be optionallyenabled only by a two-step process in which a secondary source confirmsthe identity indicated by a primary source. For example, aplayer-accessible value input device 118 comprising a biometric playerinformation reader can require a confirmatory entry from anotherbiometric player information reader 152, or from another source, such asa credit card, debit card, player ID card, fob key, PIN number,password, hotel room key, etc. Thus, a transaction can be enabled by,for example, a combination of the personal identification input (e.g.,biometric input) with a secret PIN number, or a combination of abiometric input with an authentication fob input, or a combination of afob input with a PIN number, or a combination of a credit card inputwith a biometric input. Essentially, any two independent sources ofidentity, one of which is secure or personal to the player (e.g.,biometric readings, PIN number, password, etc.) could be utilized toprovide enhanced security prior to the electronic transfer of any funds.In another aspect, the value input device 118 can be provided remotelyfrom the wagering game machine 110.

The player input device 124 may include a plurality of push buttons on abutton panel for operating the wagering game machine 100. In addition,or alternatively, the player input device 124 can comprise a touchscreen mounted to the primary display 114 and/or secondary display 116.In one aspect, the touch screen is matched to a display screen havingone or more selectable touch keys 130 selectable by a user's touching ofthe associated area of the screen using a finger or a tool, such as astylus pointer. A player enables a desired function either by touchingthe touch screen at an appropriate touch key 130 or by pressing anappropriate push button on the button panel. The touch keys 130 can beused to implement the same functions as push buttons. Alternatively, thepush buttons 126 can provide inputs for one aspect of the operating thegame, while the touch keys 130 can allow for input needed for anotheraspect of the game. The various components of the wagering game machine100 can be connected directly to, or contained within, the casing 112,as seen in FIG. 1, or can be located outside the casing 112 andconnected to the casing 112 via a variety of wired (tethered) orwireless connection methods. Thus, the wagering game machine 100 cancomprise a single unit or a plurality of interconnected (e.g., wirelessconnections) parts which can be arranged to suit a player's preferences.

The operation of the basic wagering game on the wagering game machine100 is displayed to the player on the primary display 114. The primarydisplay 114 can also display a bonus game associated with the basicwagering game. The primary display 114 preferably takes the form of ahigh resolution LCD, a plasma display, an LED, or any other type ofdisplay suitable for use in the wagering game machine 100. The size ofthe primary display 114 can vary from, for example, about a 2-3″ displayto a 15″ or 17″ display. In at least some embodiments, the primarydisplay 114 is a 7″-10″ display. In one embodiment, the size of theprimary display can be increased. Optionally, coatings or removablefilms or sheets can be applied to the display to provide desiredcharacteristics (e.g., anti-scratch, anti-glare, bacterially-resistantand anti-microbial films, etc.). In at least some embodiments, theprimary display 114 and/or secondary display 116 can have a 16:9 aspectratio or other aspect ratio (e.g., 4:3). The primary display 114 and/orsecondary display 116 can also each have different resolutions,different color schemes, and different aspect ratios.

A player typically begins play of the basic wagering game on thewagering game machine 100 by making a wager (e.g., via the value inputdevice 118 or an assignment of credits stored on the portable wageringgame machine 100 via the touch screen keys 130, player input device 124,or buttons 126) on the wagering game machine 100. In some embodiments,the basic game can comprise a plurality of symbols arranged in an array,and includes at least one payline 132 that indicates one or moreoutcomes of the basic game. Such outcomes can be randomly selected inresponse to the wagering input by the player. At least one of theplurality of randomly selected outcomes can be a start-bonus outcome,which can include any variations of symbols or symbol combinationstriggering a bonus game.

In some embodiments, the player-accessible value input device 118 of thewagering game machine 100 can double as a player information reader 152that allows for identification of a player by reading a card withinformation indicating the player's identity (e.g., reading a player'scredit card, player ID card, smart card, etc.). The player informationreader 152 can alternatively or also comprise a bar code scanner, RFIDtransceiver or computer readable storage medium interface. In oneembodiment, the player information reader 152 comprises a biometricsensing device.

In some embodiments, a portable wagering game machine 100 can part of aportable wireless communication device, such as a personal digitalassistant (PDA), a laptop or portable computer with wirelesscommunication capability, a web tablet, a wireless telephone, a wirelessheadset, a pager, an instant messaging device, a digital camera, atelevision, or other device that can receive and/or transmit informationwirelessly.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an architecture 200, including acontrol system, for a portable wagering game machine, according toexample embodiments of the invention. As shown in FIG. 2, thearchitecture 200 includes a processor 226 connected to main memory 228,which may include portable wagering game presentation unit 232 andportable wagering game location unit 240.

In one embodiment, the wagering game presentation unit 232 can presentwagering games, such as video poker, video blackjack, video slots, videolottery, etc., in whole or part. Portable wagering game locationdetection unit 240 includes components that determine a location for aportable wagering machine 200, and will be further described below.

The processor 226 is also connected to an input/output (I/O) bus 222,which facilitates communication between the wagering game machine'scomponents. The I/O bus 222 may be connected to a payout mechanism 208,primary display 210, secondary display 212, value input device 214,player input device 216, information reader 218, and/or storage unit230. The player input device 216 can include the value input device 214to the extent the player input device 216 is used to place wagers. TheI/O bus 222 may also be connected to an external system interface 224,which is connected to external systems 204 (e.g., wagering gamenetworks).

Some embodiments of the invention include an audio subsystem 220. Audiosubsystem 220 provides audio capabilities to the wagering game machineand may comprise an audio amplifier coupled to speakers or an audiojack, and may further include an audio programming source on a memorysuch as a CD, DVD, flash memory etc.

In some embodiments, architecture 200 may include a location detector242 coupled to I/O bus 222. The location detector may be any device thatcan determine or assist in the determination of a current location of aportable wagering game machine incorporating architecture 200. In someembodiments, location detector 242 may be a GPS (Global PositioningSystem) based detector. In alternative embodiments, location detector242 may comprise a Bluetooth device. For example, location detector 242may be a Bluetooth transceiver that either reads Bluetooth informationfrom other Bluetooth devices such as devices having beacons. TheBluetooth information may differ depending on which Bluetooth device issupplying information, such that the Bluetooth device may be identified.Alternatively, location detector 242 may be a wireless network receiveror transceiver that can at least read information, including beaconinformation, from one or more wireless networking devices such aswireless networking access points. In still further embodiments,location detection 242 may be an inertial guidance based system.

The portable wagering game architecture 200 may include a dockinginterface 244. Docking interface 244 communicably couples the portablewagering game machine to a docking station or other interface. Theportable wagering game machine may receive power through the dockinginterface (e.g. to charge a batter on the portable wagering gamemachine). In addition, the docking interface may enable communicationswith other computer systems or server systems through which the portablewagering game machine may receive configuration information or locationdata.

In one embodiment, the wagering game machine architecture 200 caninclude additional peripheral devices and/or more than one of eachcomponent shown in FIG. 2. For example, in one embodiment, the wageringgame machine architecture 200 can include multiple external systeminterfaces 224 and multiple processors 226. In one embodiment, any ofthe components can be integrated or subdivided. Additionally, in oneembodiment, the components of the wagering game machine architecture 200can be interconnected according to any suitable interconnectionarchitecture (e.g., directly connected, hypercube, etc.).

In one embodiment, any of the components of the wagering game machinearchitecture 200 (e.g., the wagering game presentation unit 232 orportable wagering game management unit) can include hardware, firmware,and/or software for performing the operations described herein.Machine-readable media includes any mechanism that provides (i.e.,stores and/or transmits) information in a form readable by a machine(e.g., a wagering game machine, computer, etc.). For example, tangiblemachine-readable media includes read only memory (ROM), random accessmemory (RAM), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flashmemory machines, etc. Machine-readable media also includes any mediasuitable for transmitting software over a network.

In operation, a player may use the portable wagering game machine toactivate a play of a wagering game on the machine. Using the availableinput mechanisms such as value input device 214 or devices coupledthrough player input device 216, the player may select any variablesassociated with the wagering game and place his/her wager to purchase aplay of the game. In a play of the game, the processor 226 generates atleast one random event using a random number generator (RNG) andprovides an award to the player for a winning outcome of the randomevent. Alternatively, the random event may be generated by a remotecomputer using an RNG or pooling schema and then transmitted to thewagering game machine. The processor 226 operates the display 114 torepresent the random event(s) and outcome(s) in a visual form that canbe understood by the player.

In some embodiments, the architecture 200 uses the elements describedabove and the components and methods detailed below to determine alocation of a portable wagering game machine 100. Such a determinationmay be used to further determine if the portable wagering game machine100 is in a location in which wagering games may be played by anauthorized user.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating major logical components of asystem 300 according to embodiments of the invention, including portablewagering location detection unit 240 components, service componentsrunning on one or more servers 330 and interface components such asdocking station 312 and wireless access point 310.

In general, location detection component 240 comprises software,firmware, and/or hardware that may be used to determine a currentlocation of a portable wagering game machine 100. The location detectioncomponent 240 may receive data from a location detector 242, or mayreceive data from a location management service 332 in order todetermine the current location.

Alternatively, location detection component 302 may analyze signalstrength values received from various wireless signal sources such asbeacons (e.g. Bluetooth beacons) or signal strength values received viawireless networking component 308 or external system interface 224 todetermine a current location. Location detection component 302 mayreceive multiple signal strength indications representing signalstrengths from multiple wireless signal sources such as beacons forBluetooth devices or access points and use the signal strength values todetermine a location for the portable wagering game machines.Additionally, location detection component 302 may be able to determinea position based on the timing of the arrival of signals such as beaconsignals from various types of wireless devices.

As noted above, location detection component 302 may require data fromlocation management service 332 in order to assist in determining thelocation of the portable wagering game machine 100. For example,location management service 332 may provide data on the location ofwireless signal sources such as Bluetooth beacons and/or wireless accesspoints. Such data can then be used to determine a current position ofthe portable wagering game machine. Data regarding the location andconfiguration of various wireless signal sources such as access points310 or Bluetooth beacons may be maintained in a database 336.

Wireless networking component 308 implements wireless networkcommunications capability. Wireless networking component 308 may includevarious wireless network protocols as described above, and may alsoinclude network protocols such as a TCP/IP network stack and SSL (SecureSocket Layer) protocols. Wireless networking component 308 may useexternal system interface 224 to communicate with an access point 310.

In some embodiments, a portable wagering game machine location detectionunit 240 may include one or more of a signal monitor component 302,mapping component 304 and a tracking component 306. Signal monitorcomponent 302 may interface with wireless networking component 308, andlisten for signals received via a location detector or wirelessinterface. In some embodiments, a signal monitor 302 is instantiated foreach type of wireless source supported by the PWGM. For example, in anenvironment where both wireless networking and Bluetooth are supported,two signal monitors may be instantiated, one for each protocol. Signalmonitor 302 may the share the wireless or beacon identificationinformation of observed wireless signal sources with other componentssuch as mapping component 304 and tracking component 306.

Mapping component 304 provides location information for known beacons.This information may include a latitude and longitude, but may alsocontain other location information such as an antenna altitude, the ageof the data, a learned propagation model, or the power of thetransmitter. Mapping component 304 may obtain this data from database336, or it may keep a copy of some or all of database 306 in a localdatabase in portable wagering game machine 100.

Tracking component 306 may use a stream of data provided by the signalmonitor and the associated data provided by the mapping component toproduce an estimate of the portable wagering game machines currentlocation. In some embodiments, the tracking component may use variousaspects of wireless communication such as how various types of radiosignals propagate and how propagation relates to distance, the physicalenvironment and location. In some embodiments, tracking component 306may apply a Bayesian filter to the signal information such as beaconspecific range and propagation information.

Wireless access point 310 provides a portable wagering game machine 100a link through which to communicate with other servers, services, orgaming machines on a network 320. Network 320 may be a wired or wirelessnetwork. In some embodiments, the wireless access point 310 and portablewagering game machines 100 may communicate via signals over one or morecommunication channels. In some embodiments, the wireless access point310 can be part of a communication station, such as wireless local areanetwork (WLAN) communication station including a Wireless Fidelity(WiFi) communication station, or a WLAN access point (AP). In theseembodiments, the portable wagering game machines 100 can be part of amobile station, such as WLAN mobile station or a WiFi mobile station,although the embodiments of the invention are not limited in thisrespect.

In some other embodiments, the wireless access point 310 can be part ofa broadband wireless access (BWA) network communication station, such asa Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax) communicationstation, although the embodiments are not limited in this respect, asthe wireless access point 310 can be part of almost any wirelesscommunication device. In these embodiments, the portable wagering gamemachines 100 can be part of a BWA network communication station, such asa WiMax communication station, although the embodiments of the inventionare not limited in this respect.

As noted above, various services may be provided by one or more servers330 on a network 320. Location management service 332 may provide datato a portable wagering game device to assist the portable wagering gamedevice in determining its location. Alternatively, location managementservice may determine a location for a portable wagering game devicebased on data received from the portable wagering game device, wirelessaccess points or other entities on network 320. In some embodiments,location data for beacons, access points or other wireless signalsources may be stored by location management service 332 in a database336.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example system 400 of wireless signalsources 310, portable wagering game machines 100 and servers 330 in agaming establishment and is used to illustrate embodiments of theinvention. In some embodiments, an array of wireless access points(which may be low power wireless access points) are placed inpredetermined locations. The access points 310 may be positioned in apattern or grid to facilitate location within a coordinate system.Alternatively, the access points may be positioned at specific locationssuch as tables or seating areas with no particular pattern. The locationof each wireless access point may be maintained in a database 336.

The system may also include one or more server 330, which may be centralgame controllers. PWGMs 100 may communicate through the wireless accesspoints 310. As illustrated in FIG. 3, server 330 may be programmed orsupplied with the actual locations of the wireless access points, suchas through database 336.

In some embodiments, access points 310 are part of a mesh network toreduce wiring and installation cost. However, the access points may behardwired to the server 330 to provide increased bandwidth. Hybridschemes are also possible where some of the access points 310 arehardwired and others reside on a mesh network.

Each PWGM 100 may be assigned a unique identifier that is used incommunication via the wireless access points. Based on location andsignal strength, more than one access point 310 may establishcommunication with a particular PWGM 100. In some embodiments, thesystem will include the received signal strength in the informationreported to a location management server 332 on server 330. Thisinformation may then be used by the location management service 332 tointerpolate the actual location of the PWGM 100.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example system 500 of wireless signalsources according to further embodiments of the invention. In someembodiments, system 500 implements an array of wireless signal sourcescomprising point locator transmitters 502. These points are arranged ina pattern such as the grid 504 illustrated in FIG. 5. It should be notedthat although a grid is depicted, any predetermined arrangement ofpoints may be used.

Each point transmitter 502 transmits a unique locator signal thatcorresponds to a specific point within the pattern. These locatorsignals are designated as X0Y0-X3Y3 in FIG. 5. By receiving locatorsignals from at least one point the approximate location of a PWGM 100may be determined.

In some embodiments, system 500 may also include one (or more) server330 s, which may be central game controllers, and one (or more) WirelessAccess Points 310. The servers 330 and the PWGMs 100 communicate throughthe Wireless Access Points 310.

In some embodiments, a PWGM 100 reports the received locator locationsignal(s) to a location management service 332 on server 330. From thisinformation the location management service may determine the locationof each PWGM 100.

In some embodiments, to prevent a rogue PWGM 100 from spoofing thesystem or reporting a false location, it is desirable that the uniquelocator signals be encoded and changed frequently in a random orunpredictable manner such that the correspondence between a particularlocator signal and a locator point is only known to the server 330. Thiswill prevent a rogue PWGM from sending a predetermined “good” locationregardless of its actual location.

Based on location and locator signal strength, a PWGM 100 may receivesignals from more than one locator point 502. The system may include thereceived locator signal strength in the information reported to thelocation management service 332. This information may then be used tointerpolate the actual location of the PWGM 100.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example system 600 of wireless signalsources according to still further embodiments of the invention. Ingeneral, system 600 includes a grid 604 of location transmitters 602.System 600 employs a number of transmission wires 606. These wires 606,which act as antennas are arranged in an intersecting pattern such asthe grid 604 depicted in FIG. 6. It should be noted that although a gridis depicted, any predetermined arrangement of intersecting antenna wiresmay be used. The wires may be located in the floor or ceiling of thespace being monitored.

Each wire 606 carries a unique locator signal that corresponds to aspecific line within the pattern. These locator signals are designatedas X0-X3 and Y0-Y3 in FIG. 6. By receiving locator signals from twointersecting wires the approximate location of a PWGM 100 may bedetermined.

The system may also include one (or more) servers 330, which may becentral game controllers and one (or more) Wireless Access Points 310.The servers 330 and the PWGMs 100 communicate through the WirelessAccess Points 310.

A PWGM 100 may report the received locator location signals to theserver 330. From this information a server 330 may determine thelocation of the PWGM 100.

To prevent a rogue PWGM from spoofing the system or reporting a falselocation, it is desirable that the unique locator signals be encoded andchanged frequently in a random or unpredictable manner such that thecorrespondence between a particular locator signal and a locator wire isonly known to the server 339. This may aid in preventing a rogue PWGMfrom sending a predetermined “good” location regardless of its actuallocation.

Based on location and locator signal strength, a PWGM 100 may receivemore than two intersecting locator signals. The system 600 may includethe received locator signal strength in the information reported to theserver 330. This information may then be used by the server 330 tointerpolate the actual location of the PWGM 100.

In some embodiments, a single locator transmitter may be used. In thisconfiguration the transmitter may be switched from one locator wire tothe next in sequence.

In some embodiments, a PWGM 100 includes an inertial navigation system.The principles of inertial navigation systems are well known and are notfully detailed here. In general, an inertial navigation system providesthe position, velocities and attitude of a platform by measuring theacceleration and rotation of the platform. It accumulates thesemeasurements over time to calculate the current position and attitude.

Inertial navigation systems do not rely on any outside systems and aretherefore immune to jamming and deception. However, errors inmeasurement and calculation are typically cumulative so the position andattitude of the platform may become progressively less accurate overtime.

In some embodiments, an inertial navigation system into a locationdetector 242 of a PWGM 100. A PWGM 100 may calibrate its positionwhenever it is ‘docked’, for example at a docking station 312 and wouldrely on the inertial navigation system when it is not docked. In theseembodiments, a PWGM 100 may report its location to the server 330.

In some embodiments, a hybrid of systems 400, 500 or 600 may used. Forexample, an array of low power access points may be used to determinethe general location of the PWGM 100 and the inertial guidance systemmay be used to pinpoint its exact location.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating methods for determining a locationfor a portable wagering game machine or other device in a wagering gamenetwork according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Themethod begins at block 702 by providing a portable wagering game machinethat may present a wagering game upon which monetary value may bewagered. As noted above, the wagering game may be any type of wageringgame, including video poker, slots, bingo, keno, YAHTZEE® etc.

At block 704, the method includes providing a plurality of wirelesssignals. The signals may be provided by access points, beacons, or anyother type of wireless signal source. In some embodiments, a signalproduced by the signal source includes an identifier for the source ofthe signal. Further, in some embodiments the wireless signal sources arearranged in predetermined locations that are intended to enhance theability to determine the location of portable devices within the system.For example, in some embodiments, the wireless signal sources may bearranged in a grid.

At block 706, the portable wagering game machine receives signals fromone or more of the plurality of signal sources. It should be noted thatthe signals may be used for functions other than determining a locationfor a portable wagering game machine. The signals may transmit wageringgame related data, accounting data, advertising data, player trackingdata, or any other type of data usable in a wagering game environment.

At block 708, a device within the system determines a location of theportable wagering game machine in accordance with the one or moresignals. The location may be determined by the portable wagering gamemachine itself, or data received by the portable wagering game machinemay be sent to a location management service that determines, based onthe data, a location for the portable wagering game machine.

In addition to the actions detailed above for FIG. 7, methods used invarious embodiments may incorporate features or actions discussed abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-6.

CONCLUSION

Systems and methods for determining a location for portable wageringgame machines have been described. Although specific embodiments havebeen illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by thoseof ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement which is calculated toachieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodimentsshown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations orvariations of the inventive subject matter.

The terminology used in this application is meant to include all ofthese environments. It is to be understood that the above description isintended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodimentswill be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the abovedescription. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention belimited only by the following claims and equivalents thereof.

The Abstract is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) to allow thereader to quickly ascertain the nature and gist of the technicaldisclosure. The Abstract is submitted with the understanding that itwill not be used to limit the scope of the claims.

1. A system comprising: a portable wagering game machine operable topresent a wagering game upon which monetary value may be wagered; and aplurality of wireless signal sources operable to provide a signal to aportable wagering game machine; wherein the portable wagering gamemachine receives a signal from one or more of the plurality of wirelesssignal sources to determine a location of the portable wagering gamemachine.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the wireless signal sourcesinclude wireless access points and wherein the wireless signal sourcesare arranged in predetermined locations.
 3. The system of claim 2,wherein the predetermined locations comprise a grid.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the wireless signal sources include transmitter beaconsand wherein the wireless signal sources are arranged in predeterminedlocations.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the predetermined locationscomprise a grid.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the transmitterbeacons are Bluetooth beacons.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein thewireless signal sources each include an antenna, and wherein the antennaare arranged in predetermined locations.
 8. The system of claim 7,wherein the antennae are arranged as a grid.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein each wireless signal source is assigned a unique identifier andwherein the wireless signal source provides the unique identifier in thesignal provided to the portable wagering game machine.
 10. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising a location management service operable toreceive data from the portable wagering game machine and to determine alocation based on the data.
 11. The system of claim 10, furthercomprising a database including the locations of the plurality ofwireless signal sources and wherein the location management servicedetermines the location of the portable wagering game machine inaccordance with the data received from the portable wagering gamemachine and the locations provided by the database.
 12. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the portable wagering game machine includes a locationdetection unit operable to determine a location for a portable wageringgame machine.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein the location detectionunit includes a signal monitor component operable to receive a signalfrom at least one wireless signal source.
 14. The system of claim 13,wherein the location detection unit includes a mapping componentoperable to provide location data for the plurality of wireless signalsources.
 15. The system of claim 14, wherein the location detection unitincludes a tracking component operable to determine a location based ondata received from the signal monitor component and the mappingcomponent.
 16. A method comprising: providing a portable wagering gamemachine operable to present a wagering game upon which monetary valuemay be wagered; providing a plurality of wireless signal sourcesoperable to provide a signal; receiving by the portable wagering gamemachine one or more signals from one or more of the plurality ofwireless signal sources; and determining a location of the portablewagering game machine in accordance with the one or more signals. 17.The method of claim 16, further comprising arranging the wireless signalsources in predetermined locations.
 18. The method of claim 17, whereinthe predetermined locations comprise a grid.
 19. The method of claim 16,wherein the wireless signal sources include transmitter beacons furthercomprising arranging the wireless signal sources in predeterminedlocations.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the predeterminedlocations comprise a grid.
 21. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: assigning each wireless signal source a unique identifier;and providing the unique identifier in a signal transmitted by eachwireless signal source.
 22. The method of claim 16, further comprising:providing a location management service operable to receive data fromthe portable wagering game machine; determining by the locationmanagement service a location for the portable wagering game machinebased on the data.
 23. The method of claim 22, further comprising:storing in a database locations of the plurality of wireless signalsources; and determining by the location management service the locationof the portable wagering game machine in accordance with the datareceived from the portable wagering game machine and the locationsprovided by the database.
 24. The method of claim 16, furthercomprising: receiving location data for the plurality of wireless signalsources; and determining a location for the portable wagering gamemachine based on the one or more signals received from and the locationdata.
 25. A machine-readable medium having machine executableinstructions for causing one or more processors to perform a method, themethod comprising: presenting on a portable wagering game machine awagering game upon which monetary value may be wagered; receiving by theportable wagering game machine one or more signals from one or more of aplurality of wireless signal sources; and determining a location of theportable wagering game machine in accordance with the one or moresignals.